Chaka Khan Celebrates Birthday & Career Anniversay With Billboard Augmented Reality Cover

Chaka Khan Enterprises and Management announces today the release of Billboard magazine’s Stars Tribute issue, dated March 23, to coincide with the music icon’s 60th birthday and the 40th anniversary of her career in music and entertainment. The issue hits newsstands on March 16 and is the first issue published by Billboard magazine that features Augmented Reality—bringing print to life. Printergize is a new and creative way of linking traditional print media with your online marketing efforts. Simply launch the Printergize app, scan the target object and watch the content come to life. Printergize utilizes mobile technologies to interact with consumers in a unique and engaging way. “Chaka has always been an innovator as an artist,” says Tammy McCrary of Chaka Khan Management. “In today’s market, it is just as important to be innovative technologically. This is why we chose to partner with Printergize.”

The cutting edge mobile app will go directly to www.chakakhan.com, where Chaka’s Billboard magazine cover image will come to life through the Augmented Reality app. At that moment, you will see Chaka introduce her 100 Days of Chaka campaign, which marks the 100 days from her birthday (March 23) to the anniversary of the release of her first recorded album with Rufus, Rufus (July 1, 1973) 40 years ago. This timeline will highlight daily, a series of historic moments in Chaka’s career, mixed with celebratory current events. The 100 Days of Chaka culminates with the release of The iKhan Project: Alive! The Commemorative Edition, in stores July 2.

Chaka’s 40th anniversary will include the release of a series of music projects recorded in eight genres including R&B, pop, jazz, gospel, rock, country, classical and dance. The first installment of The iKhan Project: Alive!, which will include a CD and DVD, will be recorded live at the legendary Henson Studios in Los Angeles, where Chaka is one of a few artists in residence that has a recording studio on site. The iKhan Project: Alive! will be recorded the same way Chaka recorded her first album. “I want to experience the magic I felt 40 years ago when I recorded my first record,” says Chaka. “The thrill of recording with all the musicians in one room, the interaction with the producer and the spontaneous moments of the experience.”

The music icon will celebrate her 60th birthday with three exclusive events held in Los Angeles (March 21), Miami (March 23) and New York (March 26). “I’m excited and looking forward to celebrating my 60th birthday in all the cities I love,” says Chaka. “I will also have a rare opportunity to spend time with my old and new friends, business associates and family. I am especially happy about my Billboard Tribute issue; this is the first time in my career that I have been honored in this way.”

The 40th anniversary will also include the release of her jazz project, The iKhan Project: Jazz, produced by GRAMMY® award-winning producer Robert Glasper. The album will be released this year on Bluenote Records. During the year-long celebration, Chaka will launch the I’m Every Woman World tour; produce her own television specials; release an updated version of her memoir, Through The Fire; relaunch her website, www.chakakhan.com; relaunch her signature gourmet chocolates, Chakalates and launch her Khana Sutra candles, as well as other exciting surprises.